How to export or copy a task from task scheduler in Windows Applies to Windows XP Pro and Windows Vista

Using Task Scheduler can be a complicated process and sometimes it is wise to backup your favorite tasks by exporting or copying them. When you set up a custom made task in task scheduler that took you hours to perfect, you obviously want to make a copy of it. You should not risk loosing this task because it will save you loads of time if you have a copy of it ready to go. For example I have a task set in task scheduler to backup a folder on one drive and make a mirror copy of it on another drive. This process has saved my life, seriously.

Task scheduler is completely different in Windows Vista and Windows XP and therefore the instructions below are not interchangeable.

Why would you want to export or copy a task from task scheduler?

Well I daresay this is an obvious answer. BACKUP. Anything you can export or make a copy of, you should. Do not hesitate and um and ahh about it!! When you get a new computer or you reformat the one you have it is much easier to restore it to how you like it if you have backups and files to restore. It just makes life so much easier.

How to open task Scheduler in Windows?

Go to the start menu.
Choose all programs, then accessories.
Then choose system tools. Task scheduler will be in there.

How to export a task from task scheduler in Windows Vista?

Open task scheduler. Click on Task Scheduler Library in the left column, as shown below.
Go to the next middle column and select a task by making it blue.
Go to the third column and press on the Export link.

export task - task scheduler

Now you will need to browse where you want to save the exported file.
See the screenshot below of what the file looks like after you have saved it. Mine is called the backup.xml.

save exported task

How to save or copy a task from task scheduler in Windows XP?

Open task scheduler the same way you do for Vista.
Right click on a task. A menu will appear.
Choose copy from the menu. See screenshot below.
Choose where you want to save the copy of the task.
Save it in a safe place. Now you have a copy of the task.

copy a task in Windows XP

Where ever you save the file, it will appear with a red cross on it because this file will not function until it is placed back into task scheduler.

How to import a task into task scheduler in Windows Vista?

In Windows Vista, as soon as you open task scheduler there will be an option to import a task in the third column. Simply press on this link and browse to where your saved task backup copy is.

How to replace a task to task scheduler in Windows XP?

After you have copied a task and saved it in a safe place, when you want to use it again, simply copy it again and paste it back into task scheduler. The file will have the same properties and settings attached to it.

Notes on exporting a task from task scheduler:

You will not be able to use the saved copy of the task for anything but task scheduler.
The file will not work unless it is in task scheduler.

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About the Author

Mitz wrote this article and others for tips4pc.com Browse for more articles that are written in an easy to understand way. Also see our very popular Video Tutorials page. Watching a video is a very easy way to learn about computers.

I hope you've found this tutorial clear and easy to understand. If you have more questions, feel free to visit our FORUM and we'll be happy to help.

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